In this week’s episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Madeleine Gallagher. Madeleine lives and works in Grafton in Northern NSW where she is fast taking over the reigns of what is a beautiful family built practice.  Madeleine works alongside her mum, dad and sister so this really is a story about a family of great lawyers.  But Madeleine didn’t begin her career in law and she had a few great adventures before finding her way there.

Madeleine hasn’t been in the law firm game for too long but she has the benefit of a mum and dad who have together built a thriving firm in a beautiful part of the world for many years now.  This was a beautiful conversation about finding your path, family along with a good splash of law! This chat had me revisiting my long harboured plan to return to my home in Northern NSW too!

In this interview, Madeleine and I also chatted about-

* If Madeleine was not a lawyer she would have been (and was) a sub-editor at New Idea Magazine.

* After having her first child Madeleine re-invented herself as a lawyer with the goals to take over the family business.

* Born in Grafton, Madeleine moved to Sydney for 19 years, and then came home to Grafton after having her baby.

* Remotely studying through Southern Cross University, all while working full time and raising her child.

* Madeleine started her law studies at age 30 and values her life experience prior to coming into law-land.

* Sister Geraldine, Dad Tony and Mum Trish all work together in the family firm.

* The history of Gallagher Solicitors and Conveyancers.

* Overcoming imposter syndrome.

* The future for a family-owned and run law practice in Grafton.

* Madeleine’s learning’s from her father, a man who has been in the law for over 40 years.

* Working in, and owning a small business and managing downtime.

* When Madeleine is not a lawyer she loves to spend time with her family.

* The silver linings that have come from the COVID-19 pandemic.

* Madeleine tips and thoughts for new solicitors as well as working in regional communities.

* The inner workings of local, general practice law firm.

* Madeleine is a happy lawyer – and credits her happiness to keeping her work-life balance in check.

* Avoiding the culture of over-working in law land.

* Madeleine’s Happiness Tip.

Sit back and enjoy this interview with Madeleine Gallagher.

***

Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa Rayward at the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life’ knowledge centre-  A community for lawyers who want to make the best out of their life in and outside of the law.   

Listen to last week’s episode here